“I was a woman and did not yet think of myself as a writer. I was a mapmaker.”

“Before I left home I cut my hair close to my scalp so I could be a free woman with free thoughts, open to all possibilities. I was making a map of the world. In ancient times maps were made to help people find food, water, and the way back home. I needed a map to help me find love and language and since one didn't exist, I'd have to invent one, following the trails and signs left by other travelers. I didn't know what I wanted to be, but I knew I wanted to be the kind of woman who was bold, took chances, and had adventures. I wanted to travel around the world. It was my little-girl dream.”

“There was power in the pen, I knew this for certain...It was there all the time, just waiting for me.”

“When I grow old I want to regret the things I've done, not the things I haven't done.”

“I want to show my sins withinTo help make me sinless, once again"What I Want”

“And when I feelthe masks beneathcrumble and fade withtime I build new onesto replace the old."Masks"- Sins Within”

“I offer you my soulWithin are my flawsMy grace, my kindnessMy love for you"The Offer”